Industrial truck



1941- E. J. DUNHAM INDUSTRIAL TRUCK Original Filed April 14, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 INV ENT OR. ZZmerJM/fim 7W5? ATTORNEY.

Dec. 2, 1941. DUNHAM 2,264,512-

INDUSTRIAL TRUCK Original Filed April 14, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 lNV ENT OR.

ATTORNEY.

Dec. 2, 1941. E. J. DUNHAM INDUSTRIAL TRUCK Original Filed April 14, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Dec. 2, 1941. E. J. DUNHAM INDUSTRIAL TRUCK Original Filed April 14, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. fr/flaMd/W 57m yaw? z )JM/ ATTORNEY.

Dec. 2, 1941. DUNHAM 2,264,512

INDUSTRIAL TRUCK Original Filed April 14, i939 6 Sheets-Sheet '5 INVENTOR.

J2me?" T/Dunfiaw BY ATTORNEY:

Dec. 2, 1 941. E. J. DUNHAM INDUSTRIAL TRUCK Original Filed April 14, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. [Zmer r/fiiwiam BY ATTORNEY.

Patented Dec. 2, 1941;

Elmer J Dunham,

Battle Creek, Mich., assignor to Clark Equipment Company, Battle Creek, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Original application April 14, 1939, Serial No.

Divided and her 22, 1939, Serial No.

this application Decem- 310,499

6 Claims., (Cl. 214-113) This invention relates to industrial trucks, and

more particularly is directed to industrial trucks employed for loading and unloading box cars and for handling and tiering merchandise in warehouses, mercantile buildings, industrial plants, shipyards, freight depots, and the like.

The present invention is a division of that disclosed in my copending application, Serial No. 267,749, filed April 14, 1939, and is directed particularly to the functioning of an industrial truck as a portable elevator for picking up, moving and tiering merchandise and the like.

Trucks of this general type have been known for some time, but th need has arisen for a truck with a short wheel base and tuming' radius that could be driven directly into a door-way of a box car and turned within the width of the car to pick up or deposit material therein. To effect such a construction, it has been necessary to approach the problem of manufacturing such trucks from an entirely different point of view.

Formerly, such trucks had the operator mounted on a platform at the rear end thereof, adjacent to an instrument panel and operating mechanism by which he could control the movemeni; of the truck and of the lifting and tiering load supporting'means carried at the opposite end of the truck. This endangered the operator due to his exposed position on the platform, and also materially increased the turning radius ,of the vehicle so that relatively wide aisles or passageways wer necessary to allow proper maneuvering of the vehicle in warehouses or on congested docks or railroad platforms.

Another problem arose when it was contemplated that the wheel base and turning radius of the truck should be reduced. In effecting such a reduction of the wheel base with the load supporting uprights or guides mounted at one end of the vehicle, the danger of upsetting the vehicle due to overbalancing thereof when loaded was encountered. Even if the vehicle was not upset there was the possibility that the traction of the rear steering wheels would be insuflicient to permit proper control of the vehicle. Thus, it was necessary thatthe truck be designed so that it could carry its rated capacity and appreciable overloads. and yet be stable and under complete control throughout all portions of its operating r cycle. This was accomplished by the provision of counterweighting means carried by the truck chassis at points remote from the load supporting means, whereby the moment arms of the counterweighting means would be sufficient to maintain the truck stable when loads were being han dled with the lifting and tiering mechanism at the forward end thereof.

I also contemplate, in the design of the present truck, a simplification of the control system so that the operator would be more or less positioned in a manner similar to that of the operator of a truck or automobile, and with the control mechanism related to his position in such manner that highly skilled and trained operators would not be necessary for efllcient operation of the vehicle. This required the disposing of the operator in a seated position substantially centrally of the truck with pedal controls for the clutch and the brake mechanism and with the usual type of gear shift lever similar to that used in automotive transmissions.

Still another object attained by the present invention is the provision of a simplified frame and power plant assembly with the power plant comprising a continuous rigid unit consisting of the engine, clutch, transmission and driving axle assembly all supported in a simplified frame construction. A suitable frame was designed to provide proper springing of the engine unit on the rear or steering axle and the rigid support of the rear axle assembly at the opposite end of the frame. In conjunction with this the frame itself is designed to provide the pivotal support for the vertical uprights upon which the load carrying means is raised and lowered, and also provides for proper joumalling of a number of the control mechanisms required for operatingthe vehicle. This construction lends itself well to assembly line production methods. As a result, a relatively small but highly efllcient truck is provided at low cost.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention, including the simplified control for the elevating mechanism, will appear more fully from the following detailed description which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings will disclose to those skilled in the art the preferred construction I) invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a rear the completed truck;

Figure 2 is a perspective elevational view of the truck; t

Figure 3 is an elevational view of the chassis and power plant assembly on an enlarged square:

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the truck frame itself;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the truck frame. and power plant assembly;

quarter perspective view of and operation of my or similar tension members 23 Figure 6 is a,more or less diagrammatic view of the fluid circuit for controlling the raising and lowering of the load supporting means and. the tilting of this mechanism; and

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the truck.

Referring now dn detail to the drawings, the truck comprises a frame indicated generally at II as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, having the rear steering wheels l2 and the front drive wheels l3. Pivotaliy mounted at the forward end of the frame are a pdir of vertically extending channel-shaped uprights l4 within which are telescopically mounted a second pair of uprights l3 tied together at their top by a cross member It. Within the channels of the uprights it are located rollers carried by frame member i1 which forms a load supporting carriage and has the L- shaped lift fingers I projecting therefrom for movement under a load and to raise and lower loads placed thereon.

Mounted between the uprights is a hydraulic cylinder it from which projects the piston rod 23 carryin a cross-head 2| having laterally spaced sprockets 22 over which are trained chains anchored at one end to a cross member 24 secured to the rear of the uprights l4, and which, at their opposite ends are connected to the carriage l1. With this construction, raising of the cross-head results in relative movement of the load supporting carriage II with respect to the uprights l5, and after the cross-head has moved upwardly a predetermined distance it abuts against the cross member it of the uprights IE to move these uprights conjointly therewith while the carriage il moves relatively thereto to its extreme upper position, in which the uprights l5 have telescoped outwardly of the uprights i4 and the carriage has moved to the top of the uprights l5.

As shown more clearly in Figure 3, the steering axle 30 is spring supported from the truck frame by means of the longitudinally extending leaf springs 32 tied to the spring shackle 33 and to the frame brackets 34. Mounted on the frame above the axle 30 is an engine indicated generally at 35 which may be of any suitable type such as an internal combustion engine, a Diesel engine, or the like, and which has a radiator 35 disposed at one end thereof having the grill 31 protecting the same whereby air can be drawn in through the opening 38 in the rear counterweight member 39 by the fan 40 to cool the fluid in the radiator. The radiator 36 has a header 42 provided with the filler cap 43, which header has the connection 44 to the engine head of the engine 35.

Mounted at the front end of the engine 35, which it will be noted is mounted in reverse position on the truck frame, is a fluid pump 46 driven from the crankshaft of the engine and adapted to supply the fluid under pressure which operates the raising and lowering cylinder l9, and also operates tilting cylinders 50 trunnioned at their rear ends as indicated at 52 on the truck frame and having axially extending piston rods 53 pivotally connected as indicated at 54 to brackets 55 carried adjacent the lower portions of the uprights l4. The uprights being pivotally mounted on the frame, admission of fluid under pressure to opposite ends of the cylinders 50 results in forward or rearward tilting of the uprights about their pivots to correspondingly tilt the load supporting carriage l1.

Considering now in detail the construction of the frame l0, which is shown in Figure 4, thisframe comprises two side members 60 and 62 upon which is mounted the counterweight mem- I ber 39. Intermediate the ankles 34 and rigidly secured to the plate 63 are two bracket members 33 whichproject forwardly of the plate 33 and serve as supports for the front end of the engine 33. These supports preferably are provided with rubber or similar resilient means by which the engine is secured thereto so as to provide a cushioned mounting which allows slight floating movement of the engine and yet resists the torque reactions thereof. Below the brackets 33 are disposed the two brackets 33 which have forwardly extending transverse journal portions 61 receiving the upper ends of the spring shackles 33 connected to the rear ends of the springs 32 for the steering axle 30. The frame members 63 and 62 extend substantially horizontally forwardly from the plate 83 for a distance substantially equal to the length of the engine 33 and have dropped portions indicated at 63 which are provided with the journal bosses 39 forming the trunnion supports for the trunnions 52 carrying the rear ends of the cylinders 50. Below the trunnion supports 69 the frame members again project horizontally forwardly, and converge together through angle portions, and at their forward ends are connected together by a transversely extending cradle member which has laterally projecting support or pad portions 13 upon which is mounted the driving axle housing to provide a rigid support therefor.

The cradle member also has forwardly extending journal portions I4 through which extends the transverse shaft 15 having projecting ends upon which are mounted the pivot brackets 16 secured to the lower rear portions of the uprights l4 for pivotally supporting the uprights I4 upon the shaft 15. It will thus be apparent that the uprights l4 are pivotally supported directly on the front end of the frame construction inde pendently of the driving axle assembly, and that the frame provides a transverse cradle at its forward end for the drive axle assembly whereby the same may be rigidly secured thereto.

A suitable cross bracing member 11 is provided adjacent the lower ends of the drop portions 63 of the frame members, and carries rearwardiy extending brackets 34 forming the other pivotal connection for the springs 32.

Bolted to opposite sides of the frame It on the upper horizontally extending portions thereof are counterweight members which also serve as protecting fenders for the wheels 12, and which are indicated generally by the numeral 80. It will be noted that both the counterweight 39 and counterweights 30 are heavy cast iron members which are disposed an appreciable distance rearwardly of the pivotal axis of the uprights l4, and thus form effective momentarms counteracting the moment arm produced by the load on the lift fingers i3.

Above the counterweight members 83 suitable side panels 32 on opposite sides of the engine are provided for enclosing the engine, together with a hood portion 33 which encloses the radiator header 42 and has a dropped portion 34 forming a deck or the like immediately above the side panels 32 to which the latch connections 85 are secured for latching the side panels in position. Between the deck portion 34 and the hood portion 83 there is provided the vertically extending wheel base of the truck, which is highly dethe like carrying the usual an ammeter, oil and the like.

Upon the deck portion 84 vehicle there is provided an upwardly extending post 81 which carries a seat 88 for the operator. Preferably, this seat is pivotally mounted on the post 81 and may also have a spring supported connection within the post to provide for some degree of resilience to add'to the riding comfort of the operator.

Considering now the mounting of the driving assembly within the frame I0, as clearly shown in Figures 3 and 5, the clutch housing 90 is piloted in and rigidly secured to the flywheel housing 92 of the engine 35. Bolted directly to the clutch housing 90 is the transmission housing 93 having the pedestal 94 from which projects the gear shift lever 95 substantially as is customary in automotive transmission. Bolted directly to the rear face of the transmission housing 93 is an axle and differential carrier instruments, such as pressure gauge, starter button at one side of the housing 96 which has oppositely extending housing arms 91 having flanges 98 to which are bolted the backing plates 99 carrying the brake assemblies for the driving wheels. Preferably, these brake assemblies comprise hydraulically actuated brakes comprising the brake cylinders I and the brake shoes I02. Projecting outwardly through the backing plate are the jack shaft or stub shafts I03 upon which the wheels I3 are pivotally mounted, and a suitable separator plate I04 is provided between the brake assembly and the internal driving gear assembly comprising the ring gear carriedby the wheels I3 and the pinion gear I05 mounted on a shaft I06 extending into the housing 96 through the differential case. Thus it will be seen that the power unit comprises an engine body, transmission housing and drive axle housing rigidly coupled together. The axle assembly is substantiallyidentical with that disclosed in my Patent No. 2,134,687, issued November 11, 1938. The only difference between the present axle construction and that shown in the aforesaid patent is that the uprights in the patent are pivotally mounted on the housing arms 91, whereas in the instant application the uprights are mounted on the forward end of the frame to pivot on the shaft 15.

As shown clearly in Figure 5, the engine 35 is provided with the usual manifold construction I08 including a carburetor I09, which is controlled from a suitable foot accelerator pedal IIO mounted on the floorboard II2 of the vehicle.

.This floorboard II2 has a suitable opening II3 therein through which extends the gear shift lever 95, and it will be noted that the housing 96 has an upstanding arm II4 forming a forward support for the floorboard II2 which, at its rear end, is supported on the forward end portions I I5 of the frame.

The engine 35 is also provided with the usual ignition system, including the high tension coil H6, and is supplied with current from a battery enclosed within the housing II1 mounted on the top of one of the counterweight members 80.

It will be apparent with this construction that the engine, clutch, transmission, and driving axle are all rigidly connected together to form a rigid driving assembly from the engine to the axle, which acts as a backbone for taking care of the torque reactions and provides a very close sirable.

The housing 96, as shown in Figure 3, has bracket portions II8 adjacent the shafts I06 which are adapted to lie upon the portion 13 of the frame and to be bolted thereto for rigidly connecting the frame and drive assembly together. These brackets may be formed integral with the housing 96 of secured thereto in any desired manner, and it is apparent that adjustment between the driving assembly and the frame can be provided by shims placed between the supporting surfaces 13 and the brackets to cover any possible inaccuracies between the frame and the driving assembly.

The floorboard II2 also has projecting therethrough the hand brake lever II9 which is connected in a suitable manner to be described'hereinafter to a brake construction provided on the countershaft of the transmission.

At one side of the junction between the transmission housing 93 and the differential housing 96 there is provided a vertically extending bracket I20 having a transverse journal portion I22 at its upper end formed as a split clamp member in which is adapted to be secured the steering mechanism of the vehicle, and which forms a support for the upwardly and rearwardly extending steering post I23 at the upper end of which is mounted the steering wheel I24. A suitable bracket I25 is bolted to the forward end of the floorboard, and has a collar portion I26 engaging about the post I23 to rigidly hold the same in position. From the steering mechanism supported in the bracket I25 a suitable drag link connection is provided to the steering apparatus at the axle 30. This apparatus may be of the type shown in detail in my copending application, Serial No. 244,945, filed December 10, 1938, now Patent No. 2,187,197, in which overlapping tie rod sections are secured to the steering knuckles of the two wheels I2, and are carried by a crank plate which has an offset arm portion to which is connected the drag link actuated by the steering mechanism. With such a construction, a differential steering action is provided and the wheels I2 are'so connected by the tie rods that a very sharp turning action can be impartedvthereto so that the truck will pivot about a point laterally adjacent one of the driving wheels I3.

Mounted between the floorboard I I2 and the forward end of the deck 84 .is an oil reservoir I30 which contains the oil for the fluid pump 46, and from which such oil is withdrawn by the pump to be transmitted under pressure to the cylinders 50 and I9. Suitable control valve means is provided, as will be described hereinafter. which areactuated by the respective control levers I32 and I33 extending upwardly through suitable slots in the deck 84. The control levers I32 are therefore disposed laterally coupled construction materially reducing the adjacent the seat 88 within convenient reach of the operator, and are moved fore and aft to control raising and lowering of the load-supporting carriage I1 and tilting of the uprights I4.

Disposed below the flywheel housing and transv mission of the vehicle, and supported between the diverging portions 10 of the frame is a gas tank indicated generally at I35, which has a filler extension projeeting upwardly and laterally to one side of the transmission 93 with a filler opening and cap I36 projecting above the floorboard II2 adjacent the hand brake lever II9. From the through the conduit the gasoline is transmitted to the carburetor I09 by means of a suitable gas pump through the conduit I31 which, as shown in Figure 7, projects upwardly within the frame member 52 into the carburetor.

Considering now in detail the fluid circuits for operating the tilting and lift cylinders, this is shown in detail in Figure 6.

The pump 45 has its inlet side I41 connected through the conduit I45 with the bottom sump well I49 at the lower end of sump I30. From the outlet side I50 of the pump, the line I52 leads to a series of valves, indicated generally at I53. The high pressure line is connected to the first valve body I54 which includes a safety by-pass valve set at a predetermined pressure so that if the pressures inthe line exceed this amount the oil is by-passed past the lift valve body I55 and the tilt valve body I51 connected through the conduit I55 to the top of the sump I30, as indicated at I59. Each of the valve bodies I55 and I55 has a control plunger such as indicated at I50, which is connected through suitable links to the control levers I32 and I33. The lift valve has a single outlet I52 connected I53 to the lower end I54 of the lift cylinder I9. When the control lever I32 is actuated, fluid under pressure from the pump is transmitted through the valve I55 to the line I53 and into the, lower end of the cylinder I9, whereupon the cross-head 2I is raised to effect raising of the load-supporting carriage. The upper end of the cylinder I9 has an overflow line I55 which allows any oil above the piston in the cylinder I9 to flow outwardly therefrom, and thence back through the line I55 to the sump I30. The load-supporting carriage is lowered by gravity when the pressure on the under side of the piston I9 is relieved.

The tilt valve I55 is of a construction such that actuation of the plunger in one direction from a neutral position connects the high pressure side of the oil line to the conduit I51, from which conduit the oil is transmitted through the branch lines I58 and I59 to the corresponding forward ends of the tilt cylinders 50. This results in pressure being applied against the pistons within the tilt cylinders moving the piston rods 53 rearwardly in the cylinders to tilt the uprights I4 rearwardly. When the control, lever I33 is moved in the opposite direction past neutral position, the oil under pressure is allowed to flow through the valve I55 into the conduit I which has the branch connection I12, so that under such conditions the oil under pressure is supplied to the rear ends of the tilt cylinders 50 moving the piston rods 53 outwardly to tilt the uprights I4 forwardly.

The control levers I32 and I33 are spring controlled to normally remain in neutral position, under which conditions the oil forced out of the pump 45 flows from the valve body I54 to the valve'body I51 and thence back into the sump I30, thereby providing a continuous circulation of this oil in what might be termed an idling operation of the system. when either of the valves I55 or I55 is actuated, the oil under pres sure is directed to the corresponding cylinder, and when the piston in .the respective cylinder reaches a limiting position, the safety valve in the valve body I54 releases to allow by-passing of the oil so that no undue pressures are built up in the cylinders. The release of this safety valve is audible, and indicates to the operator that a limiting position has been reached. If at any time tank I35 high pressure during the operation of either of the valves the control lever connected thereto is released, the lever immediately moves to neutral position, stopping the mechanism and holding the uprights or the load carriage in its stopped position. Thus. the uprights can be tilted to any intermediate position and the load-supporting carriage can be raised any desired amount between its upper and lower limits and held in position without requiring any further action on the part of the operator. Also, a safety feature is provided inasmuch as the operator cannot set either of the control levers for operation and leave the machine, or release the control lever as it immediately will return to neutral position, thus preventing any posaibility of starting movement of the load-supporting carriage and then leaving the machine while such movement continues.

By the locating of the control valves I32 and I33 immediately adjacent the operator, it is possible for. the operator to actuate these members and have clear vision as to the movement of the load-supporting mechanism so that moving of the load can be accurately controlled. Further,

the operator sitting intermediate the ends of the vehicle is fully protected against injury from surrounding objects, and is in a position where a clear view can be had for guiding the vehicle through narrow aisles, into and out of freight cars, along docks. and the like.

It will be noted that the counterweight 33 which hangs over the rear end of the vehicle is of a rounded form, which materially adds to the appearance of the vehicle and also prevents pos-' sible injury that might be caused by sharp comers or the like. This counterweight is preferably provided with a recess, as indicated. at I50 in Figure 3, adapted to receive the ball or yoke of a trailer or the like, which can be coupled to the vehicle to be towed to any desired location. A suitable vertically extending opening I52 is provided for receiving a pin to effect the coupling connection.

The pedal 240 shown in Figure '1 constitutes a brake pedal which is rotatably iournalled on a shaft 242 rotatably supported in the journal portion 243 of the frame I0, as shown in Figures 4 to 7,1nclusive. This brake pedal, as shown more clearly in Figure 3, has connected thereto the crank arm 244 which is pivotally connected to the plunger rod 245 adapted to actuate the master cylinder 245 of the hydraulic braking system. The arm 244, in efiect, forms with the brake pedal a bell crank rotatably journalled on a shaft 242.

The clutch pedal 250, shown in Figure 7, has keyed connection to the shaft 242 on the outside of the frame I0, and when actuated, rotates the shaft 242 which in turn effects rotation of the arm 252 clamped to the opposite side of the shaft and projecting normally thereto. The am 252 at its free end is pivotally connected to an adjustably link 253, which in turn is connected to the actuating arm 254 secured to the clutch operating shaft I91. Thus, upon depression of the clutch pedal the shaft 242 is rotated, which effects rotation of arm 252 and consequent rotation of the clutch shaft I51 through the link 253 in the arm 254.

It will be apparent from this explanation that the pedals 240 and 250 are located in positions similar to corresponding pedals on an automotive vehicle with the accelerator located laterally of the brake pedal 240 so that a conventional automotive type drive is effected. This, together Serial No. 211,746, filed June 4,

with the location of the gear shifting lever and the hand brake, provide a construction very similar to an automotive drive so that unskilled operators can readily operate the vehicle if required to do so.

It will therefore be apparent that I have provided a very compact but highly efficient industrial truck that can be used for transporting and tiering merchandise, and is close coupled to provide a very sharp turning radius, facilitating its entry into freight cars to pick up or discharge merchandise thereinto. The construction is so designed that the counterweighting will alrigid unit with the axle housing secured to said cradle, a pair of uprights joumalled at their low relatively heavy loads to be carried on the load-supporting carriage l1 without any unstability of the truck, and the fact that these loads are carried substantially above the driving wheels insures maximum traction on slippery surfaces.

The entire mechanism is so designed as to be completely enclosed within a hood arrangement which gives the truck a well groomed appearance and prevents accidental damage to the working parts thereof. The arrangement of theoil reservoir, the gas tank, and other features of the invention are such as to us all available space within the limits of the truck frame to minimize its width and height in order that the operator shall have clear vision and maneuverability. It

will be noted that the valves for controlling the operation of the tilt cylinders and the lift cylinder'are located directly under the deck 84 closely adjacent to the control levers I32 and I33 to facilitate their operation, and also to render-them readily accessible for inspection or repair. The same is true of the other operating parts of the vehicle as the entire design is constructed with the thought of accessibility to the working parts by removable panels, such as the panels 82 or the removable floorboard and hood assembly.

The vehicle is also capable of use as a tractor, and can be simultaneously employed as a tractor and a truck with little or no difficulty.

The operation of the cylinder I 9 for raising and lowering carriage I1 and telescoping movement of the uprights is substantially the same as described in detail in my copending application, 1938, now Patent No. 2,178,370.

It is to be noted that the truck herein shown and having a capacity of 1 to 2 tons moved on the lift fingers, is so designed as to have a wheel base of only 38 inches and has an over-all length of less than 100 inches from the rear counterweight to the tips of the lift fingers.

It is also to be understood that the machine can be built without the second set of telescoping uprights l5 for use in cases where extreme tiering height is not desired, with a consequent simplification of the mechanism, or it can be built with relatively low uprights telescoping so as to secure a relatively high lift, but when in lowered position extending only to a height below the level of the operator's head. i

I am aware that a number of changes can be made in certain details of the assembly herein shown and described, and I therefore do not intend to be limited except as defined by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An industrial truck comprising a frame having side plates and a transverse cradle at one end, a power unit between said side plates comprising an engine body, transmission housing and drive axle housing coupled together as a lower ends on said frame forwardly of said cradle, a load supporting carriage guided for vertical movement on said uprights, tilt means pivotallymounted' on said side plates on opposite sides of said engine body and having tilt rods directly connected to said uprights, a steering axle beneath the engine body, means resiliently supporting said frame on said steering axle, counterweights secured to said frame rearwardly of said steering axle to balance said load supporting carriage, and hydraulic means for raising said carriage and tilting the same including control means mounted above said engine body intermediate said axles.

2. An industrial truck comprising a frame having side plates and a transverse cradle at one end, a power unit between said side plates comprising an engine body, transmission .housing and drive axle housing coupled together as a rigid unit with the axle housing secured to said cradle, a pair of uprights journalled at their lower ends on said frame forwardly of said cradle, a load supporting carriage guided for vertical movement on said uprights, tilt means pivotally mounted on said side plates on opposite sides of said engine body and having tilt rods directly connected to said uprights, a steering axle beneath the engine body, means resiliently supporting said frame on said steering axle, and hydraulic means for raising said carriage and tilting the same including control means mounted above said engine body intermediate said axles.

3. An industrial truck having a frame including a transverse cradle member at one end having planar ends forming horizontal pads, a drive axle housing supported on said pads and having an enlarged intermediate differential housing, forwardly projecting journals on said cradle member below said pads, a transverse shaft mounted in said journals, a pair of uprights, means on the rear faces of the lower ends of said uprights pivotally mounting them on said shaft, bracket means on said uprights above said lower ends, a pair of tilt cylinders having pivotal mounting at one end thereof on said frame, and pistons in said cylinders having rigid axially extending tilt rods connected at their free ends to said bracket means.

4. The truck of claim 3 further characterized in that said cylinders have parallel hydraulic pressure connections to the respective ends thereof.

5. An industrial truck comprising a frame including side frame members and a transverse bracing member therebetween, a transverse drive axle housing secured adjacent its ends to said frame members adjacent one end of said truck, extensions on said frame members projecting forwardly of said housing, a transverse shaft secured between said extensions, a pair of laterally spaced uprights pivotally mounted for tilting movement about said shaft, a hydraulic cylinder supported on each of said side frame members above said bracing member, piston means in said cylinders including connections to said uprights for tilting the same upon admission of fluid under pressure to said cylinders, and control valve means for said cylinders.

6. In an industrial truck of the type having a axle housing secured adjacent its ends to said 6 can:

movement about said shaft. and hydraulically operated means supported on each of said frame members above and rearwardiy of said housing and connected to said uprights above the pivotal 5 support thereof for tiltins said uprishts.

mmmnumuu. 

